Christmas 2010 activities

Christmas activities started on Nov 24 with the Family Night Potluck and preparation for the Hanging of the Greens. After the meal everyone worked (if you can call it WORK) on sanding the ornaments and getting them and the cards ready for the season. Of course the food was delicious (so what else is new) and the fellowship during the working was a lot of fun. People of all ages helped out. There are a lot more activities between now and Christmas. Come join us for all these fun activities:
Nov 24 is the Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service at Swede Ridge at 7:00pm.
Nov 28 is the Family Night Soup Supper to set up the tree and finish the prep for the HOG. Please bring a dessert or a salad.
Dec 5 is the Hanging of the Greens - 3:30pm music, 4:00pm service. We need cookies and helpers to serve following the service.
Dec 12 is the Cookies Walk at 10:00am between the services. We would appreciate if each family could bring 5 dozen cookies in containers that you don't want back. Thank you all in advance.
Dec 22 is Caroling - meet at the church at 5:00pm. After that we will return to the church for food and cocoa/coffee. We need volunteers to bring food. All are welcome.
Dec 24 is the Christmas Eve Service at our church at 7:00pm.
Dec 25 - Have a Blessed and very Merry Christmas. MERRY CHRISTMAS from all of us at First Congregational UCC. GOD bless us all.
And may you all have a blessed and wonderful 2011.

Also remember, on Dec 3 Central State Bank is matching every $5.00 donation made in the name of our church from 9 to 6.

JOHN C. ERICKSON IN MEMORIAM

John C. Erickson of St. James, MN, formerly of Maynard, IA, passed away on Sunday, October 31, 2010, at the home of his brother, Harry and sister-in-law Diane Erickson, in Elkader, IA, where he has resided with his wife Cleo. This past year John has fought a courageous battle of Large B-cell Lymphoma.

John Charles Erickson was born December 27, 1946, in Sumner, IA, to Edwin and Charlotte (Schrader) Erickson. John attended school at Oran #2 Country School and graduated from West Central Community School in Maynard, IA. Following graduation, he attended Humboldt Institute in Minneapolis, MN, for Freight Traffic Management. During the summer, he worked for the Billy Graham Ministries. John was employed by Ozark Airlines at O’Hare Airport in Chicago, IL, after graduation. In 1966, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served as an M.P. He worked as a police officer for one year in Harlan, IA, after he was discharged. He then went to work for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad and then for the Union Pacific Railroad.

He was a member of the Rolling Prairie A.B.A.T.E., Union Pacific Employee Club #70, was a Patriot Guard and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. He recently became a member of the First Congregational Church – UCC, in McGregor, IA. John enjoyed golfing, fishing, camping, riding motorcycle, participating in Relay for Life, and being with friends and family – especially his granddaughters. This past year has been a year to remember for John – being able to play golf with his brothers and friends, go fishing, see his classmates, spend time in his camper, and take a last ride on his Gold Wing.

On July 28, 1990, John was united in marriage to Cleo L. Sandmeyer. They made their home in St. James, MN. John continued working on the Union Pacific Railroad until he retired in 2007 after 37 years as an Engineer.

Survivors include his wife Cleo of St. James, MN; daughter Debra Juarez of Cottage Grove, MN; son Matthew (Nikki) Erickson of Cottage Grove, MN; six granddaughters, Kelsey and Nisa Juarez, Makayla, Makenzie, Makenna and Makayden Erickson; brothers, Tom (Judy) Erickson of Independence, IA, Harry (Diane) Erickson of Elkader, IA, Edwin Jr. (Lois) Erickson of Maynard, IA; sisters, Carolyn (Roger) Frederick of Marion, IA, Charlene (Robert) Fairchild of Des Moines, IA, Jet Larson of Decorah, IA; brother-in-law, Jim Shimek of Robins, IA, and numerous nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Charlotte Erickson; sister, Mary Shimek; nephew, Paul Erickson and brother-in-law, Russel Larson.

CROZIER WEDDING

Congratulations to our new members, Brandi and Dale Crozier, who were married October 9th at FCC. The people of First Congregational congratulate Brandi and Dale as they begin a new life together. God bless them.

BRUMBERLOW / VALLEY WEDDING

Congratulations to Amber Valley (daughter of Lisa and Mike) and Steven Brumberlow who were married September 25th in Prairie du Chien. The people of First Congregational congratulate Amber and Steven as they begin a new life together. God bless them.

STUMPF WEDDING

Congratulations to Chelsey (granddaughter of Roger and Virginia Drahn) and Keaton Stumpf who were married September 11th at First Congregational Church. The people of First Congregational congratulate Chelsey and Keaton as they begin a new life together. God bless them.

DENNING WEDDING

Congratulations to Michael (son of Robyn and Cathy) and Trisha Denning who were married August 28^th at Pikes Peak State Park in McGregor,Iowa.The people of First Congregational congratulate Michael and Trisha as they begin a new life together. God bless them.

HELEEN'S BIG "50"

Heleen and Jan Von Tonder

Today, August 22, 2010 the congregation of First Congregational partnered with the family of Heleen Von Tonder to surprise and celebrate her 50th birthday last week. It was a wonderful celebration with delicious food and warm fellowship. We congratulate Heleen on her milestone and wish her many more blessings in Christ's name.